Peace with Justice — Kay Ellison

Apologies

You’ve heard it said, “Never pray for patience,” with the understanding your patience will be tried.

Well, I have another for you, “Never give a sermon on conflict resolution!”

No, I don’t think I was cocky after that sermon last month, but two weeks later I had the worst day at work in 20 years. A scheduling snafu escalated into frustration, then embarrassment, and then anger on my part. The next day I felt so bad that I felt I had to apologize to my co-worker about it. Hot tip: I learned that if you sincerely cry while apologizing, people believe you. She believed me, no question.

However, from the worst day at work in 20 years and having to apologize, some good things have come. My openness about being embarrassed led her to share that she is lonely in her new job, feeling unaccepted. Soon a special holiday for her will happen, so other co-workers and I are going to make sure we celebrate it in order to help her feel welcome.

This lesson was hard. I want to be open to God’s lessons even when they are hard.

I will instruct you and in teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel and watch over you. Ps. 32:8